Werner urges tradespeople to prioritize access safety after HSE statistics reveal falls from height cause one-in-four UK workplace fatalities.
Access equipment manufacturer Werner has renewed its campaign for heightened safety awareness when working at height, following the publication of annual fatal injury data by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The latest figures demonstrate that falls from height remain the single largest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, accounting for twenty-five percent of all deaths on site.
The HSE statistics underline an ongoing safety issue across the trades, with working at height continuing to pose the greatest risk to life in construction and maintenance. Werner's intervention highlights the necessity of proper risk assessments, correct product selection, and thorough pre-use inspection of ladders, tower scaffolds, and work platforms.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for?
When purchasing access equipment from merchants such as Screwfix, Toolstation, Wickes, or B&Q, tradespeople must prioritize compliance standards over lower prices. Buying budget, non-certified ladders or using worn platforms poses severe physical and legal risks. Tradespeople should audit their current kit immediately: replace damaged stepladders, ensure equipment meets the latest EN131 professional standard, and consider investing in dedicated safety accessories like ladder stabilizers, work platforms, and drop-prevention lanyards. Buyers should watch out for cheap imports that lack recognized safety markings.
Beyond purchasing standard-compliant ladders and podiums, site operatives are urged to implement routine equipment checks. Adopting structured inspection protocols ensures damaged kit is retired before an incident occurs, reducing serious injuries and helping self-employed trades and contractors stay compliant with HSE enforcement rules.
Reported by Electrical Times — original article
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